Manager's Barnsley Reaction

"There was a grandstand finish and we created opportunities to win the game, but we just couldn’t take them," says Freedman

Dougie Freedman was again encouraged by Bolton’s performance against Barnsley, explaining all that was missing was a cutting edge in the final third as Wanderers’ unbeaten run was stretched to four matches.

The Whites had to settle for a point after Kevin Davies’ first-half opener was cancelled out by Craig Davies’ equaliser in the 65th minute.

Freedman said: “I was happy with the performance. I thought we created a lot of opportunities and on another day we will take them.

“I was disappointed with the equalising goal we conceded but the response after that was good. There was a grandstand finish and we gave it everything we had, but it just wasn’t to be.

“The crowd were behind us and they could see the energy and desire that the players had. They could see what we are trying to do – we passed our way through Barnsley at times and the fans stuck with us.

“Right now, we are fighting hard. The Championship does throw up hard matches every week but I felt that we stuck at it. We performed really well and created opportunities to win the game, but we just couldn’t take them.

“All-in-all, I was pleased with the performance but disappointed with the result.”

Captain Davies was recalled to the team and he marked his 601st competitive appearance with his fifth goal of the season in the first half.

Freedman added: “I thought Kevin Davies was fantastic today and I said that in the dressing room. Any player that wants to see know how to play centre-forward needs to watch the video of today’s game.

“He was outstanding in his play and all-round game. His performance was top-drawer and long may that continue.”